Usurper's Might: Book Six of New Blood

The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk. As the Usurper's darkness rises, will Natharr and the scattered Rilari stay the path when hope becomes dire?

Epic Medieval Fantasy

Paperback $21.77 | eBook $2.99

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The Rilari are scattered, each forced down a different path as the Usurper’s power spreads across the continents like a growing storm. The Guardian of Maarihk, Ellis the Elder, Thair, and the remaining Knights of Ril fight to preserve the last fragile remnants of peace — yet even survival becomes uncertain as the darkness foretold in Natharr’s Sight draws ever closer, shadowing their every step. 

Meanwhile, Nathan endures the unforgiving mentorship of one of the Empire’s greatest warriors. Driven by a hunger for ultimate vengeance, he is pushed to the edge of his limits. But as his strength grows, so does the question that haunts him: how far will he go to claim the justice he seeks — and what will it cost him when the moment finally comes?

Reviews of Usurper's Might

• "Usurper’s Might marks book 6 of 8 in the New Blood Saga, a series that cemented its place early on as one of my all-time favourites. [It] moves various pieces into position in preparation for what is (hopefully) a grand climax. For those new to this dark, epic fantasy series, I can’t help but draw comparisons to The Wheel of Time. However, at the risk of igniting controversy, I would argue that the New Blood Saga is more refined in terms of intrigue and pacing. Fans of Robert Jordan’s much-beloved staple will find similarly detailed descriptions of characters and settings. Each consecutive entry also incorporates varying degrees of recap, which can be beneficial. Usurper’s Might largely consists of political and logistical organization, setting up various pieces for the conflict ahead. As plot-lines expand and new characters are introduced, the scope broadens to include multiple POVs navigating through complex circumstances in order to assist with a meticulously crafted and highly secretive plan. It’s remarkable just how much foresight has been poured into this massive undertaking, which includes secret alliances, high-stakes politics, and the unexpected development of key characters. These elements and more have had a tremendous impact on my investment and overall enjoyment of the series. I have high hopes for the final two books in the New Blood Saga, and I would strongly encourage fans of dark and epic fantasy to pick up this highly underrated series. Much of my appreciation for this series revolves around deeply moving emotional beats, as well as uniquely incorporated magical realism. It delivers an interesting blend of enchanting fantasy while steeped in a world grounded by plausible reality. With his lengthy experience in writing craft, as well as the numerous awards achieved throughout his career, it’s no wonder that Kilpack is able to develop a work such as the New Blood Saga, with excellent prose, unique world-building, and such interesting magic systems. For those still on the fence, I would urge you to at least pick up book 1, Crown Prince, and decide from there if the series is worth continuing. It’s roughly 350 pages and should prove to be a quick read, through specific formatting and accessible prose. As with each new installment, I will be picking up book 7 immediately upon release. It will be a tough wait, but I have faith that Kilpack will not disappoint, and that the greatest impact is yet to come." — Usman, SFF Insiders/host of Bards & Books YouTube Channel

• 5/5 Stars — "When an author fills a book with vivid descriptions of landscapes, villages, castles, and the people and creatures who inhabit them, the story becomes something of a delicacy for the mind, worth time spent digesting. The reader does not simply follow the characters through their journey; they see the world through the author’s imagination and, for a while at least, become part of it. W. D. Kilpack III has accomplished exactly that with his latest entry in the series, Usurper’s Might. Throughout his books, Kilpack has created a wonderfully detailed world and given each of his characters a life and personality of their own. As a reader, I have come to know many of them so well that I feel as though I have welcomed them into my home library as familiar guests. There are far too many memorable characters to mention them all, but I have my favourites. Drah the Dragon is certainly among them, as is Talika, the elder huntress of the lion-people. Then there is Ellis the Elder, a sense of humour that makes him particularly enjoyable whenever he appears, which is wonderfully balanced with his wisdom. What brings all these characters and their individual stories together is Natharr and his extraordinary legacy as the Guardian of Maarihk and Knight-Marshall of the Rilari. Nathan [u]nder the unforgiving mentorship of one of the Empire’s greatest warriors ... is pushed to the very limits of his endurance. His desire for vengeance drives him ... as his strength increases, so too does a far more troubling question: how far is he prepared to go to achieve the justice he believes he deserves, and what will that vengeance ultimately cost him? This mixture of sweeping fantasy, personal conflict, memorable characters, and the continuing mythology surrounding the Firstborn and the Aa has kept me interested throughout the series. Kilpack does not merely describe his world; he gives it history, personality, and a sense that there is always something more waiting on the next page. That is one of the greatest compliments I can give Usurper’s Might: by this stage of the series, I am not simply reading about these characters. I know them. I have travelled with them, worried about them, laughed with them, and occasionally wondered what on earth they were going to do next. I highly recommend beginning with the first book rather than jumping directly into Usurper’s Might. Read the series in order and allow Kilpack’s world to unfold as he intended. By the time you reach Book Six, you will have gained not only a much deeper understanding of the characters and their journeys but also an intriguing glimpse into the imagination of the author who created the remarkable world of the Firstborn and the Aa. That journey has been well worth taking." — Jose F. Nodar, author of Books, Pens & Larceny (South Wales, Australia)

• 5/5 Stars — "An amazing surprise at the end of Book 6! I just finished book 6 of the series, and the author has officially won me over. When I saw at the end of the book that there is a book 7, I immediately searched the author's profile for it. But I was so pleasantly surprised to see that the author had actually replied to my review of book 5, letting me know that they will be writing books 7 and 8! I can't wait to continue this adventure in a universe that has made me want to stay alongside these characters for as long as possible." — Lia Christie